IOC President dismisses pre-Games distractions, cites strong preparation and ticket demand
Milan | Sayer Zaland
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said preparations for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are progressing as planned, insisting her focus remains firmly on the Games despite a series of non-sporting controversies dominating headlines in the lead-up to the event.
Speaking at a press conference following the IOC Executive Board meeting in Milan, Coventry said off-field issues were “distracting” but not unexpected in the build-up to an Olympic Games.
“Over many years, there has always been something leading up to the Games, whether it was related to communities, Zika, or COVID,” Coventry said. “What gives me confidence is that once the Opening Ceremony begins and athletes start competing, the world reconnects with the spirit and inspiration of the Games.”
Recent protests in Milan have focused on reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) involvement in Games-related security planning. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Piazza XXV Aprile on Saturday, days before the Games are scheduled to open on February 6 at San Siro Stadium.
Asked about the issue, Coventry said security matters had been clarified by the relevant authorities and declined further comment. “From our side, it is not for us to comment further on that part of the security,” she said.
Another issue attracting attention involves Los Angeles 2028 Organising Committee chairman Casey Wasserman, following the publication of decades-old emails linked to Ghislaine Maxwell in documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice. Coventry said the matter was not discussed at the Executive Board meeting and noted that Wasserman had already issued a public statement.
On Games readiness, Coventry said coordination between the Milano Cortina Organising Committee, the IOC, international federations, and National Olympic Committees was progressing smoothly. She acknowledged the geographical spread of venues but said stakeholders were prepared.
The IOC’s Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi also reported strong ticket sales, confirming that approximately 1.1 million tickets have already been sold. He added that the Opening Ceremony at San Siro is expected to be a sell-out, marking a full-capacity Olympic opening for the first time since the COVID-19 restrictions in Beijing.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will run from February 6 to 22, with competitions staged across multiple regions of northern Italy.